Discover the World of Independent Film
Celebrate the magic of movies at the Milwaukee Independent Film Awards Film Festival!
Discover the World of Independent Film
Celebrate the magic of movies at the Milwaukee Independent Film Awards Film Festival!
Milwaukee Independent Film Awards
Celebrating Independent Filmmakers
Welcome to the inaugural Milwaukee Independent Film Awards, a vibrant celebration dedicated to the indomitable spirit of independent filmmakers. Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, our festival is more than an event; it's a movement championing the dreams and aspirations of independent storytellers who dare to express their unique visions through the art of cinema.
Submit your film to us, only on Film Freeway:
Welcome to Milwaukee Independent Film Awards Film Festival
About the Festival
The Milwaukee Independent Film Awards Film Festival is an annual event showcasing the best in independent film from around the world. Our goal is to provide a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.
Festival Schedule
The festival will run November 16th and 17th .
Award winning films will be screened at the festival, as long as there is time to accommodate.
Award certificates and monetary prizes will be awarded in person. (Monetary prizes will be given either in cash in person or through Venmo or Zelle if winner not present).
Festival Format:
TBD
Contact Us
Have a question about the festival? Want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you. Fill out our contact form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
About the Festival
The Milwaukee Independent Film Awards Film Festival is an annual event showcasing the best in independent film from around the world. Our goal is to provide a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.
About Milwaukee Independent Film Awards
Our Vision
Our Festival Directors
Our Vision
At Milwaukee Independent Film Awards, our vision is to be the premier destination for independent filmmakers and film enthusiasts from around the world. We strive to create an inclusive community where everyone can explore, discover and celebrate the power of film.
Our Impact
Our Festival Directors
Our Vision
The Milwaukee Independent Film Awards desires to have a tremendous impact on the Wisconsin film industry and the communities we serve. We plan to screen thousands of films, host countless workshops and panels, and provide opportunities for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work on a growing stage.
Our Festival Directors
Our Festival Directors
Our Festival Directors
At Milwaukee Independent Film Awards, our Festival Director, Ezekiel N. Drews, and Executive Festival Director, Eric Leukert, are filmmakers like all of you and proud Wisconsinites! They are proud of what Wisconsin has to offer to the scene of cinema. Their mission is to promote Wisconsin Filmmakers while also recognizing the importance
At Milwaukee Independent Film Awards, our Festival Director, Ezekiel N. Drews, and Executive Festival Director, Eric Leukert, are filmmakers like all of you and proud Wisconsinites! They are proud of what Wisconsin has to offer to the scene of cinema. Their mission is to promote Wisconsin Filmmakers while also recognizing the importance of global films and their impact on how we create cinema stories.
Their motto is our motto:
Every Story’s Spirit Matters
Sister Festival - The National Independent Film Association
About the NIFA Awards
The National Independent Film Association (The NIFA Awards) ) is a film festival and music festival in the vein of South by Southwest (SXSW). Held at Lawrence University (a Top 50 Liberal Arts College in the Nation) in Appleton, WI (The home of Harry Houdini, Willem Dafoe and The Mile of Music). Hosted by Dan Davies star of the worldwide Netflix sensation "A Trip to Jamaica" (Streamed on Netflix Jan 2020 - Jan 2022) and the cult classic film "Ed Gein, the Musical". The National Independent Film Awards (The NIFA Awards) comprise of Lifetime Achievement Awards (our inaugural winners in 2019 - Sir Sean Connery - NIFA Lifetime Achievement Award henceforth The Connery Award, Neal McCoy - NIFA Musical Legend Award - The Real McCoy Award, Jeff Olm - NIFA Lifetime Achievement - Post-Production - The Olm Award & Michael Blake (awarded posthumously) NIFA Legend Award - The Blake Award and the NIFA Best Independent Film, NIFA Best International Film, NIFA Best Micro-Budget Film, NIFA Best Documentary Film, NIFA Best Short Film, NIFA Best Music Video, NIFA Best Short Screenplay & NIFA Best Screenplay.